A withdrawal letter is a document sent by a student to his or her school with the intention of withdrawing from a course. The letter should include all necessary information about the student’s withdrawal and explain why they have decided to withdraw.
How to Write a Withdrawal Letter from College
In order to write a withdrawal letter from college, you will need to:
- Keep it brief and professional. Avoid complaining about your experience with the school or staff. This is not the time or place for that kind of thing! Instead, focus on stating why you want to withdraw and let them know when you plan on returning if they ask. Don’t forget to include all relevant contact information so that they can get in touch with you if there are any questions or concerns about your request.
- Provide the reason for withdrawal (if applicable). If it’s not obvious why you’re leaving—for example, if there was a death in your family—then make sure to explain exactly what’s going on so that people won’t jump to conclusions about how things really went down between yourself and the school before making their decision about whether or not this is an acceptable request under such circumstances.
Keep It Brief and Professional
Because of its personal nature, it’s important to keep your withdrawal letter brief and professional. Don’t use slang or abbreviations (even if you’re excited), and don’t get too flippant with emoticons. Be respectful of the person receiving it because that can make all the difference in how they react to what you say next—and whether or not they take action on your request.
Provide the Reason for Withdrawal
The resignation letter should mention the reason you have chosen to withdraw. This is important, as it will help your decision-maker understand where you are coming from and why you made this choice. It’s also worth noting that vague language like “I’m not happy with my current situation” or “I think it will be better for me to start over somewhere else” won’t work here; instead, give a specific explanation of what led up to your decision. Also, avoid making excuses or blaming others. As per the LinkedIn experts, “Be sure to express your genuine appreciation for the opportunity by thanking your boss for the role you held and, possibly, what you’ve learned from them and the company.”
Specify Your Intended Return Date, If Any
If you are planning to return to college, include that information in your withdrawal letter. If you’re not planning to return, specify that as well. If it is unclear whether you will be returning or not, then just state that this is the case and leave it at that.
Be Prepared for Follow-Up Questions From School Officials
If you are contacted by a school official about your withdrawal, be prepared to answer any questions they may have. The official might ask for proof of your withdrawal (e.g., a copy of the letter) or inquire about the reason for your decision to leave. If you do not have an answer ready, they will likely ask you to provide one before they can approve your request.
Writing a withdrawal letter can be tricky. There are so many elements to consider, and you don’t want to miss any necessary steps. But if you follow these tips and keep them in mind, you should be able to craft a great withdrawal letter that will meet all your needs while still being professional.